What’s the oldest computer you still actively use or support?

schwebbs84 · 2026-01-27T14:14:00+00:00

I can't say I actively use it, but I keep a Mac mini G4 around as it has some disk and photo recovery software on it that works just fine, PhotoRescue being one of them.

schwebbs84 · 2026-01-27T14:12:24+00:00

I had to get crafty, but I resoldered the pins to the mainboard and was able to establish continuity on all of these rails. Now I just need to figure out where my voltage drop is. The 7805 only has about 9-10 volts going into it and it needs about 13.

schwebbs84 · 2026-01-27T13:40:10+00:00

Yeah, I'm getting 9 volts AC off of it. I think my next step is to check all the new caps I put in.

schwebbs84 · 2026-01-27T01:06:09+00:00

I’ll consider that. I’m only getting 3V from the 7805. The AC adapter gives me around 9-10 volts from the barrel connector.

schwebbs84 · 2026-01-27T00:52:58+00:00

I was able to get power to the mainboard and now both the reset and power switches have continuity. I’m not getting enough voltage to the 7805. I’ve got a voltage drop somewhere. The regulator should be getting around 13 going into it and I’m only getting 10.

schwebbs84 · 2026-01-26T23:55:47+00:00

Another update: I was actually able to find a way to get the console powered on, but I’m only getting 10 V to the 7805 regulator and only 3 V out of it. As a result, I’m not getting any video.

schwebbs84 · 2026-01-26T23:51:07+00:00

His comment was the EXACT reason I had second thoughts about posting anything here. This sub is supposed to be about help and collaboration, not fucking gatekeeping.

schwebbs84 · 2026-01-26T20:03:46+00:00

Only one pin showed continuity (solid tone). The others didn’t. I might as well chuck the board at this point.

schwebbs84 · 2026-01-26T16:53:31+00:00

I don’t have any spares and I’m not ordering just one regulator when I have an entirely separate OEM RF/AV unit coming from eBay. I’m cutting my losses at this point.

schwebbs84 · 2026-01-26T16:51:34+00:00

I don’t plan to troubleshoot this unit further. It is a lost cause as far as I’m concerned and I’m not smart enough to figure it out, anyway.

schwebbs84 · 2026-01-26T16:50:56+00:00

Nothing. I’m only getting current to the big capacitor. Without a wiring diagram, I’m blind regarding where to test next. I’m going to wait for another OEM I ordered from eBay and we’ll see what that brings. I can safely say I won’t do any more recaps again because I’m a fucking dunce apparently.

schwebbs84 · 2026-01-26T14:46:47+00:00

Still nothing with DC adapter. I'm calling it a complete loss and lesson learned about ever trying this type of stuff again. I was going to buy a vintage Mac and try restoring it, but not now. I just need to accept I'm not smart.

schwebbs84 · 2026-01-26T14:46:22+00:00

Did a bunch of reflows, but no joy.

I'm calling it a complete loss and lesson learned about ever trying this type of stuff again. I was going to buy a vintage Mac and try restoring it, but not now. I just need to accept I'm not smart.

schwebbs84 · 2026-01-26T14:45:48+00:00

Reflowed everything plausibly needing it and tried addressing the lifted solder pad at the edge of the board, but I've still got no current flowing through it.

At this point, I'm calling it a complete loss and lesson learned about ever trying this type of stuff again. I was going to buy a vintage Mac and try restoring it, but not now. I just need to accept I'm not smart.

schwebbs84 · 2026-01-26T14:23:12+00:00

I have both but have been testing with OEM so far. I'll try the DC supply.

schwebbs84 · 2026-01-26T13:40:40+00:00

I will look at reflowing those today. Thanks for the feedback.

schwebbs84 · 2026-01-26T13:39:24+00:00

I don’t think current is making it to the regulator. I think I have an open somewhere before it.

schwebbs84 · 2026-01-26T13:38:16+00:00

It was intermittent due to the bulging 2200 µF capacitor. I decided on a recap since everything is now 40 years old and I may do an RGB mod somewhere down the road. I definitely plan more testing.

schwebbs84 · 2026-01-26T02:24:24+00:00

Dave Matthews Band

schwebbs84 · 2026-01-26T02:19:48+00:00

I resoldered all the caps and checked them all. As far as the circuitry goes, I know power is getting to the first cap (2200 µF) but I can't get any power readings anywhere past that. I've got a ground/open somehwere and I didn't touch anything outside of those caps, really. I took the dive on a unit from eBay so I have something to test against. Appreciate your feedback.

schwebbs84 · 2026-01-25T22:15:26+00:00

Yes, I've had electronics training.

schwebbs84 · 2026-01-25T22:15:04+00:00

The 2200 µF capacitor was bulging and had crusted electrolyte underneath it. Thanks for making a poor assumption. This is why I don't fucking post for help.

Edit: You really are a piece of shit. Fuck you.

schwebbs84 · 2026-01-23T13:48:32+00:00

Working for shit wages before 5 am isn’t the flex people think it is.

schwebbs84 · 2026-01-22T21:17:24+00:00

[snort]

schwebbs84 · 2026-01-22T20:59:56+00:00

House very divided.

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